[CINC] IPCO January 25, 2012

[Rose Messina]

Sightings:  1 pod of about 50 common dolphins
		  2 gray whales slowly traveling south

The weather was perfect, sunny with light winds until later in the  
day.  On the way to Santa Cruz we encountered the dolphins who  
performed as usual and pleased the crowd.  We headed to East Santa  
Cruz Island where we encountered two whales on their southward  
journey.  We followed them for about an hour and were rewarded with  
many flukes showing on dives.

After we left the whales Captain Anthony treated us to an "up close  
and personal" view of Anacapa accompanied by a running commentary  
covering every aspect of the island.  The "piece de resistance" was a  
view of Santa Barbara Island through the arch.  Another perfect day  
on the water.

We had a full boat of people from many different parts of the world.   
Many were here to attend the Gordon Scientific Research Conference at  
the Crown Plaza in Ventura.  Passengers were from The Philippines,  
Sweden, Bulgaria, India, China, Canada, Norway and Finland.

Thanks to Captain Anthony, Jean and Luke.

Rose Messina, Pam Yerger